It was a virtual party last month as we rang in our 10-year anniversary as a merged chamber and celebrated with a new format for our ‘Annual Meeting,’ where we shared laughs, reflections and inspiration and honored some of the amazing individuals in our community.
 
Taking a look at the last fiscal year, we all were hit with challenges, but are so proud of our region for pulling together to overcome and still have much to celebrate. After opening comments from our staff, Justin Forde representing presenting sponsor Midco shared remarks. Past president Tom Dawson took the stage to talk about the work of Fueling Our Future, public policy efforts, pivoting through COVID, and event and program accomplishments.
 

 
Looking ahead, new board chair Sandi Piatz, shared a few sneak peeks into our plans for the next year and introduced special keynote speaker, Governor Doug Burgum.

Grit, grace, and gratitude: A note from your new Board Chair

 Burgum talked to attendees about navigating a crisis and uncertainty. “It’s an opportunity for all of us during these times of great challenge to embrace change, shift gears, press ahead with a newfound purpose and take the opportunity to reinvent ourselves and our businesses,” he said. He also talked about servant leadership, the importance of putting people first, and the four values he thinks are most important for leaders today: curiosity, humility, gratitude and courage. He challenged us to grab hold of these values in our daily work.

From The Forum: Steve Scheel honored with Legacy Leader award at Chamber of Commerce annual celebration

 We also recognized Steve D. Scheel as the 2020 Legacy Leader through a touching video tribute with stories from his friends and colleagues. “I feel like I’ve never gone to work a day in my life because I so enjoy our business and our people,” he said. “I enjoy kicking off our leadership trainings and to impress upon our next generation of leaders how important culture is to a business.”
 


We want to give a huge thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors, Board of Directors, and members. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Thank you!
 
Check out more moments by searching hashtag #FMWFCelebrate. And visit our blog to view all the videos from the event.

Chairman Sponsor

Beautiful tribute to Craig Whitney. Sure miss that guy. 🥺#FMWFCelebrate pic.twitter.com/GYflj3ebuH

— Kirsten Jensen ❤️ (@MSUMKirsten) September 17, 2020

Congrats to Larry Olson of Talent Productions on being named the Public Relations Ambassador of the Year, in honor of Wayne Saar. Larry has served on the committee for 15 years and makes almost every meeting and ribbon cutting, always with a smile. #FMWFAmbassadors #FMWFCelebrate pic.twitter.com/d5wQVrCHBU

— FMWF Chamber (@FMWFChamber) September 17, 2020

#FMWFCelebrate @BankWithChoice pic.twitter.com/OFcaEUlsD3

— Danne (@dverghis) September 17, 2020

Thank you @DougBurgum for joining us as the keynote for #FMWFcelebrate! Inspired to go into our fiscal year pushing boundaries and making this the best year at @FMWFChamber yet! pic.twitter.com/PZLnJuu2w6

— Alyssa Lakoduk (@FMWFAlyssa) September 17, 2020

Empower people. Improve lives. Inspire success.
Thank you @DougBurgum for sharing your message at #fmwfcelebrate We are excited to continue our work representing the business that make up our #fmwfmembers pic.twitter.com/S0xtJAdOhN

— Casey Sanders (@FMWFCasey) September 17, 2020

Congrats and thank you to our 2020 Legacy Leader, Steve D. Scheel of @SCHEELS. This award recognizes the important role and contributions of longtime local leaders in shaping and serving our community and region. #FMWFCelebrate pic.twitter.com/GSlC6hwwrb

— FMWF Chamber (@FMWFChamber) September 17, 2020